The Filipino Expat

Transcription

The Filipino Expat

FILIPINOE XPAT
LI V ING IN EUROPE
Issue 5- Jan/Feb 2014
COVER STORY
Take a peek
into the lives of
European-Filipino
kids
INSIDE
Beauty queen inspires
people through charity
Gay couple share
their love story
Know your luck
this 2014
TRAVEL
Experience romance
in Italy
WELLNESS
Enjoy hilot in Barcelona
PLUS
Ambassador
Leslie Baja
shares the life
of a diplomat
Issue 5 2014
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Issue 5 2014
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CONTENTS
On the cover:
New Zealander-Filipino Jasmine Langdale
at the famous Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain.
Photography by Robin Kuijs
Diplomats:
10 Ambassador Leslie Baja recalls his
journey toward being a diplomat
Personalities:
42
Cover story:
33 Third culture kids speak about their life in Europe
Column: Law corner
12 Singer Myrna Braza talks about her love for music
36 Lawyer Chona Abiertas Tenorio gives tips on how kids
can legally migrate to Spain
Expat Life:
Giving back:
15 An IT specialist feels at home in Czech Republic
Fashion:
16 Know how to wear your luck this Year of the Wood Horse
Shopping:
20 Check out the auspicious charms and amulets this 2014
Features:
21 How to make Filipino wives happy this V-day
31 Rediscover how kids grow up in a traditional Filipino
household
Relationship:
38 Beauty queen Sheryl Lynn Baas reaches out to
kababayans through her own foundation
Travel:
42 Explore romantic Italy
46 Bohol unveils newest luxury hideaway
Dining:
49 Mesa restaurant provides perfect hangout venue
for kababayans
Recipes:
50 Chicken sopas for the soul
23 Gay couple share their love story
Health:
26 Learn the Pinoy cures for the common cold
Wellness:
28 Filipino expat introduces hilot to Europeans
04
Regulars:
06 Readers’ corner
07 A note from the editor
08 Contributors’ page
09 Events
CONTENTS
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Go to our website, www.
thefilipinoexpat.com to download
the magazine on your digital device.
Issue 5 2014
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READERS’ CORNER
The Filipino Expat likes to hear from our
readers. Keep on sending your thoughts and
comments to [email protected].
I liked the magazine but Switzerland should
have been included in the winter destination.
Also, in the article ‘How To Beat The Winter
Blues’ perhaps a more discretely dressed girl
would have looked much better, in line with
the Filipina values.
But the rest were good. Kudos for all the
efforts involved in putting up the issue! I like
the ‘Indoor Exercises’ very apt as we Pinoys
tend to overeat and over stuff ourselves
during the holiday season.
– Eva Bernhard, Bern, Switzerland
I have read through the magazine and find
you doing a nice job. I read some good articles
in the magazine and I guess sometimes it’s
difficult to have a good “story”. To write “in
depth” about subjects linked to the Philippines,
for both Europeans and Filipinos and not just
to fill the magazine with some “chitchat.”
– Mike Ve, Belgium
My friend introduced me to this magazine.
I found it very nice especially the article
‘Paperless in Europe’. Thank you Filipino
Expat and more power.
- Rachel, The Netherlands
I am married to a Filipina and this magazine caught my
attention. It gives me more ideas about the Filipino culture.
- Erwin Lelieveld, Netherlands
As a Filipino living abroad, away from my family , this magazine
makes me feel at home. The features on lifestyle, travel,
culture and current events keep me updated and connected
to the Philippines I believe that a magazine like Filipino
Expat gives Filipinos some form of entertainment as well as
awareness outside the world. It allows foreigners who are
married to Filipinos like me a glimpse into our cultures and
traditions .
- Gio Rocky Galang, The Netherlands.
I love the Filipino Expat Magazine. Aside from being
entertaining, it also provides a lot of information that could
help us Filipinos abroad. Thank you Filipino Expat and more
power.
- Chelony Mercado, Netherlands
Follow us on
Twitter :
@thefilipinoexpat
TheFilipinoExpatMagazine
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Hello 2014
Hooray to us, dear reader. We survived 2013.
Good or bad the past year might have been, The Filipino Expat is one with
you in remaining thankful for the experiences and lessons learned that can
serve us well in 2014. After all, the New Year is about positivity, hope, and
new beginnings. A brighter future always lies ahead.
To usher in the New Year, we set our sights on third culture kids as the
5th issue’s cover story. Otherwise known as global nomads or cultural
chameleons, these TCKs are considered by some experts as the “prototype
citizens of the future.” How so? They are multilingual, well traveled and
exposed to different cultures. The Filipino Expat contributor Myra Colis
looks into how these “half-Pinoy” kids in Europe are living up to their aspired
roles and reputation, finding out their thoughts and perspectives in life on
page 33.
Dheza Marie Aguilar interviews Dutch-Filipino Sheryl Lynn Baas to talk
about how being a beauty queen has helped her reach out to kababayans
in need, particularly those affected by the recent typhoon Yolanda.
Of course, we still have our regular lifestyle features. Our wellness section
includes a trip to Barcelona to try out a spa promoting the traditional
Filipino healing massage called hilot. Looking for the latest hotspots in the
Philippines? Contributor Kenneth del Rosario checks out a new resort in
Bohol on page 46.
At the Pengumuman temple
in Bali, Indonesia.
Followers of the ancient Chinese art called feng shui might want to read
our shopping page. Popular feng shui expert Marites Allen reveals the
auspicious animal signs as well as the charms to improve one’s fortune. Or
one can also try to “wear their luck.” Find out more on page 16.
How can we forget Valentine’s Day? Newlywed Perpie Claes-Poblador
shares tips on where to go and what to do in romantic Italy on page 42. For
our European friends, we listed some suggestions on how to make their
Filipino wives or girlfriends feel special this V-day.
Lastly, we are introducing a new section called “Diplomats” to get to know
more about the people tasked to serve Filipinos in Europe.
Happy reading!
All the best,
Diana A. Uy
Editor-in-chief
Issue 5 2014
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CONTRIBUTORS
FILIPINO
E X PAT
LIVING IN EUROPE
Publisher and Managing Editor
Dheza Marie Aguilar
Editor-in-Chief
Diana Uy
Creative Director
Robin Kuijs
Editorial Assistant
Lyssa Ericka Cabarles
Charles Aleksander Ravndal is a
multimedia designer moonlighting
as a novelist in Bergen, Norway.
He works as a web designer in
one of the biggest media houses
in Norway and an award-winning
newspaper, Bergens Tidende. A
gym rat and a foodie at the same
time. Follow his adventures at www.
charlesravndal.com.
Clouie Boleche loves travelling
around the world, learning
languages and cooking. After
finishing his Master’s Degree in
International Business Economics
and Management, he plans to
pursue his one ultimate dream of
becoming a writer and an author.
Contributing Writers:
Perpie Claes-Poblador, Lana Kristine
Jelenjev, Patrick Camara Ropeta, Glaiza Lee,
Kenneth del Rosario, Clouie Boleche, Charles
Alexander Ravndal, Myra Colis, Maria Kristine
Fleishhacker
Contributing Photographers:
Astrid Olsson and Liselinn Woll Sigvaldsen
Advertising Manager
Rhea Topacio-Rogacion (Europe)
Published 6 times a year
By The Filipino Expat
Maria Glaiza Lee believes in the
power of the pen and thinks that
writing is her calling. A former
Manila Bulletin lifestyle reporter,
Glaiza has a degree in Mass
Communication at the University
of the Philippines-Baguio. She just
came back from Seoul, South Korea
wherein she fnished a three-month
journalism fellowship program
co-organized by the Kwanhun Club
and the Korea Press Foundation.
When Kenneth M. del Rosario
isn’t busy writing for the Philippine
Daily Inquirer (his day job for
the last seven years), he is either
listening to Mariah Carey, reading
a good book, running in the park,
or watching a movie or Charmed
reruns. A native of Laguna, Ken
loves and lives to travel. He has
been to the US, Australia, and
several Asian countries. He is
hoping to cross out Europe on his
bucket list in the near future.
The Filipino Expat is continously looking for writers, photographers and
bloggers for both the magazine and our website, www.thefilipinoexpat.
com. Email us your portfolio or writing samples to editor@thefilipinoexpat.
com.
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The opinions expressed in The Filipino
Expat magazine do not represent the views
of The Filipino Expat company. While we
have exhausted every effort to ensure the
accuracy of the information contained in this
publication, neither The Filipino Expat nor its
editors, contributors and staff will accept any
responsibility for any omission, typographical
or printing errors, inaccuracies or changes
however caused. Our editorial and creative
teams reserve the right to edit any material
submitted at our discretion. All texts, photos
and graphics have been used with the
permission of the author or artists. All rights
are reserved. No part of this publication
may be duplicated or reproduced in a whole
in any form or by any means without the
publisher’s prior written permission.
Comments and complaints
should be addressed to:
The Publisher
Lorentzlaan 74
3112KP Schiedam
The Netherlands
Telephone +31 (0) 624407692
Email [email protected]
[email protected]
Website www.thefilipinoexpat.com
EVENTS
JAN/FEB 2014
Music for the Philippines
Jan. 25
Evangelical Community Hall
Duisburg, Germany
The Filipino cummunity is invited to
a benefit concert for the survivors of
Typhoon Yolanda.
Rotterdam Film Festival
Jan. 22- Feb. 1
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Lolita Valderama Exhibit
Until Jan. 4
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Florence, Italy
The International Film Festival
Rotterdam presents hundreds of
independent films from all over the
world including the works of Filipino
movie makers.
Lolita Valderrama Savage mounts
a solo exhibit at the Palazzo Medici
Riccardi in the historic city of
Florence. Her paintings celebrate
the beauty of nature.
From Heaven with Love
Until Jan. 16
Chelsea Theater, King’s Road
London, United Kingdom
From “Heaven with Love” is a
theatrical comedy written by
Ramon Castillanes Tenoso,
featuring the talents of Philippine
Theater UK.
Art for Heart, Exhibit for a
Cause
Jan. 19
Manong Alex Sizzling Restaurant
Rabbijn Maarsenplein 19
The Hague, Netherlands
Maricel “Chelony” Mercado, will be
exhibiting her paintings dedicated
to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
Mercado is studying Fine Arts in
the Academy of Arts in Belgium.
She has previously showcased her
works in Antwerp.
Restore Philippines
Concert for the victims of
typhoon Haiyan
Feb. 1
St. Paul School
Bergen, Norway
Myrna Braza performs to help
those affected by Typhoon
Yolanda. All proceeds will go to
Restore Philippines Project.
Turn to page 12 for our story on
the singer-songwriter.
Berlinale
Feb. 6-16
Berlin, Germany
Berlinale (or Berlin Film Festival), will
feature yet again big names in the
film industry including Hollywood
stars Uma Thurman, Christian Slater,
among others. Select Filipino films will
be shown as well.
Issue 5 2014
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Man on a
mission
by Maria Kristine Fleishackher
I
walk along the expansive Kirchenfeldstrasse in the
beautiful city of Bern in Switzerland. The street
is lined with classic century-old buildings which
now serve as offices for many diplomatic missions
from around the world. I arrive at an impressive Italian
Neo-Renaissance building where the Philippine flag
is hoisted proudly at the facade. I am at the Embassy
of the Philippines, excited for my morning chat with
Ambassador Leslie J. Baja.
When it all began
Baja welcomes me with the familiar warmth that
one only gets from Filipinos. Before the morning
ends, he tells me about his life as a diplomat, making
me appreciate more his work serving Filipinos in
Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Baja graduated from the University of the Philippines
with a degree in Political Science. He spent some years
working at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in
Manila before being deployed abroad.
“I served as a Third Secretary and Vice Consul at the
Embassy of the Philippines in Athens in the 90s. I was a
junior officer and did a lot of spade work - researching,
paper work, etc. I enjoyed Athens in the sense that it
has similarities with the Philippines such as lively and
warm people and beautiful islands. I stayed there for
six and a half years,” recalls Baja.
After his service in Greece, Baja worked as a director
at the passport division of the DFA before flying again
to Europe for his assignment in Berlin, Germany as a
Charge d’Affaires and later on, as a Minister and Consul
General. “My time in Berlin offered me the opportunity
to hone my diplomatic skills with the local officials and
the Pinoy community.”
He travels frequently with his wife, Noralyn, who is also
a diplomat, and their two children.
“My family likes to try local delicacies. There is a saying
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‘When you’re in Rome, do as the Romans do’. So we try
to do what locals do. We also watch performances by
Filipinos. Last May, we watched the music and dance
ensemble group Kontra-GaPi from UP Diliman perform
in Bern,” he shares.
Unifying Filipinos in Switzerland
Switzerland is Baja’s first ambassadorial post. He is
also the Philippine government’s representative to
Liechtenstein. He was appointed in July 2011.
“I like the quality of life in Switzerland. Residents get
a certain kind of security. Workers are not in danger
of being abused. I like the cleanliness of the country.
The river Aare here in Bern, for example, is very clear.
There is an orderly lifestyle. I also like that it is centrallylocated in Europe making it easy to visit neighbouring
countries,” enthuses Baja.
Among Baja’s unforgettable moments here includes
the visit of President Benigno Aquino III in Switzerland
to attend the annual World Economic Forum in
Davos. Meeting with the Filipino community in Zürich
was another happy occassion. Baja aims to bring
the embassy closer to the people through consular
outreach programmes.
“Twice a year we conduct consular outreach activities.
Last year we had three outreach programmes - one in
Basel and two in Zürich.”
He also uses social media to reach more Filipinos.
“I am promoting a unified Independence Day
celebration in Switzerland. We had the Independence
Day celebration in Zürich and it was good to see
Filipinos united in one celebration. We develop good
networks with Filipinos and different organizations.
Noi-P is an organization of second-generation Filipinos
we work closely with. I have a personal mantra: ‘Kung
sama-sama, kayang-kaya,” says Baja.
Baja says foreign officials always speak positively
about Filipinos in Switzerland. They see Filipinos as
hardworking, fexible and well-integrated.
DIPLOMATS
The ambassador with his A-team after a Filipino cultural
performance.
“I like the quality of life in
Switzerland. Residents get a
certain kind of security. Workers
are not in danger of being
abused.”
Speaking before his kababayans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Send your love from Europe to
the Philippines through Pinoy Balikbayan Box
Promoting friendly relations
Presently, the embassy is promoting the au
pair programme as well as the Exchange of
Professional and Technical Trainees programme.
The latter aims for young Filipinos to have the
chance to be with host families in Switzerland
and learn the Swiss way of life, language, etc. The
former is for Filipinos to have an opportunity to
be trained in companies of their chosen fields in
Switzerland for 18 months.
“I hope to improve the political and economic
relationship of the Philippines and Switzerland, to
promote greater interaction among Filipinos here,
and to meet the needs of Filipinos. I am happy that
I work with a team that is constructive. The Swiss
government is also open and responsive to our
programmes,” he says.
According to the ambassador, the Swiss
government has donated more than 32
million Swiss francs to Yolanda victims through
Glückskette. “I believe it is a reflection of the Swiss
people’s high regard for Filipinos.”
The Philippine embassy recently held a Day of
Gratitude to appreciate Switzerland’s generosity.”
The Philippine embassy is located at
Kirchenfeldstrasse 73, CH-3005 Bern, Switzerland
Visit www.philembassyberne.ch
Pinoy-Box
Mobile: +31 (0) 613183722
[email protected]
www.pinoy-box.com
pinoy.balikbayanbox
Issue 5 2014
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PERSONALITIES
Her music,
her rules
by Charles Bjornsen Ravndal
photos by Astrid Olsson and
Liselinn Woll Sigvaldsen
M
yrna Braza, 28, grew up
immersed in both Filipino
and Norwegian cultures. She writes her
own songs, records albums, and teaches
music in Bergen, Norway.
According to Braza, she started performing
on stage at seven years old.
“My parents are both musicians. So, music
flows naturally in my veins, an important
part of my life,” says Braza.
Braza considers renowned producer
Thomas “Tomtom” Haugland of
Tomtomstudio as one of her mentors. The
latter has worked with famous Norwegian
artists like Lars Vaular, Gest, Kaizers
Orchestra, to name a few. Braza and
Haugland met in 1998.
“Music is so much more than just text and
melody to me. I make my own songs –from
the text to the finishing touches of a single
track. I’m part of the entire process. But
of course, Tomtom guides me the whole
time. I wouldn’t be complete without him,”
shares Braza.
The Filipino Expat Magazine discovers
more about Braza:
When did you realize that music was
your calling?
It was when I was 12 years old and
made my
first song. It was a wonderful
experience, and I thought, “Ooh, I can
do this.” It was a choral arrangement I
made with my father playing the guitar. I
remember being on stage with a couple of
girlfriends. I think it was my first step into
the “world of artists.”
Issue 5 2014
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huge and massively catchy tunes. I love it! Erykah
Badu makes good pleasant tunes, and India Arie is
amazingly inspirational – both her song and her voice.
I like timeless music. Music that captures your soul will
always be beautiful.
My partner, family, in-laws and my friends are a great
inspiration to me. Their unconditional support is the
source of my strength.
Who is your absolute favourite?
One who inspires me enormously is Jill Scott. She is a
completely raw singer from the United States. Scott is
an artist that I hope to be [someday].
What is the best thing about the music industry
today?
Braza writes her own songs inspired by a book
or a cool phrase.
How do you define yourself as a musician?
When I write music or a song I never think about style.
Many people associate me with soul music, but in
reality I could be more. When I’m in the studio, I create
something that speaks to me. I hope in the end when
people hear my music the first thing that will come to
their minds is, “It’s so typical Myrna, this is her thing.
Her own genre.”
How do you handle criticisms?
I’ve been incredibly lucky. So far in my career, I’ve
pretty much got a lot of positive feedback. I may
have a few times experienced getting nasty phone
calls after TV appearances, but it turned out not at
all about my music. It was just some men who made
lewd comments. I just ignore them. I think that you
either like my music or not. It is up to the listeners to
decide. I will always be myself and make the music I
want, and I think it is a healthy attitude to have in this
business.
Who are your influences? What inspires you?
Writing-wise, I can be inspired by a word or a cool
phrase. Recently, I’ve been inspired by Paolo Coelho
and his book, “The Manual of the Warrior of Light.”
In music, I am inspired by Esperanza Spalding, a jazz
singer whom I discovered during the Nobel Peace
Prize [concert in Norway in 2009]. China Moses,
whom I heard first during the Nattjazz. Melody Gardot
has a lovely music and lyrics. I think I am on the Jazz
planet these days. Earth, Wind and Fire is also quite
amazing. There is so much awesomeness happening
in the music world. Cool details, frantic breaks, and
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It is that one can work independently. For example,
I have control over what I write, what I produce and
the whole administrative work. I am my own manager,
I own a label and I book my own gigs. The negative
side of this is that so many others do the same, and
it becomes a jungle out there. It is difficult for major
labels or companies to notice those that are really
good and have a bright future in the music industry.
I hope that someday I’ll have that kind of influence
where I can give budding musicians a chance to
shine and perform to a larger set of audience. I just
need to work a little bit more and prove even slightly
to achieve this. Now, I learn what I can on the road,
which will hopefully make me stronger not just as a
musician, but also as a businesswoman.
I am thankful that I have the world’s best audience.
I’d rather have a thousand followers who share my
passion and love of my music than a million who
forget you as soon as you’re no longer basking under
the limelight. I also try to teach the singers I coach to
have more fun on stage. I tell them that the stage is
theirs and they can do as they please.
What lies ahead for Myrna Braza?
Lots! I will continue to be a great dreamer. I have
played in some Norwegian cities, but I have yet to
go on tour. I really want to go on tour throughout
Norway, Scandinavia, other European cities, the
Philippines, of course and the rest of the world.
Share us something that only a few of your
closest friends knew about?
Many years ago I had a wager with Yosef of Madcon/
The Voice, that I would be able to get a ride home in
a garbage truck. This was of course after a party and
late at night. I hailed the first garbage truck I saw in
Vika, Olso and asked the driver to drive me home. To
everyone’s surprise, the driver agreed, followed with a
boisterous laughter! So I actually hitchhiked a garbage
truck and also helped the driver on the way not to
miss a single garbage container.
EXPAT INTERVIEW
Enjoying
the land of
stories
M
arison Perez Rodriguez, 36, is a
mainframe specialist at IBM Czech
Republic. She has been enjoying the life of a Filipino
expat for four years now in the land of stories.
What made you decide to move to another
country?
It came by chance. I was working as an IT consultant/
senior systems analyst and programmer at
Standard Chartered Bank in Malaysia, looking for job
opportunities in other Asian countries. Someone tipped
me to check IBM Thailand. For some reason, I applied
for IBM China and Czech Republic. Within a week, I got
a job interview and an offer. I quickly resigned from my
work in Malaysia so I can spend a few months with my
family in the Philippines. I didn’t realize that it will take
seven months to process my work papers.
What sort of preparations did you have to do, the
challenges you had to overcome?
Before coming to Czech Republic, I was deathly afraid
that I wouldn’t be able to survive its severely cold
weather. I was a mountain climber in the Philippines and
Malaysia. So I knew that the body acclimatizes eventually
to a certain environment’s temperature. However,
unexpected changes in the wind can prove unbearable.
I brought lots of winter jackets and sweaters with me
instead of corporate clothes. Later, I found out that it’s
cheaper to buy them in the country.
Communicating with the Czech can be frustrating
especially for foreigners who are trying to process their
papers at immigration offices. The older generation
speak only Czech, German and Russian. If you would
like to get along with the people and get what you want,
learn to know the basics of the language and pronounce
them well. There are several Czech language schools
that offer free lessons to foreigners.
What do you like most about living in Czech
Republic? The things that you least like?
The country has beautiful topography, landlocked
by Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. Both the
Moravian and Bohemian regions have picturesque
landscapes that encourage one to enjoy life and travel
more. I was living in Brno during my first year.
Rodriguez (right) with a teammate.
“Before coming to Czech Republic, I was
deathly afraid that I wouldn’t be able to
survive its severely cold weather.”
So I visited cities like Olomouc, Cesky Krumlov, and
Prague. I was amazed by their fairytale-like ambiance,
the grand architectures, the history. The transportation
system is fast, one of the most efficient in Europe. Did
you know that some of the LRTs in Manila were built
by CKD Tatra, a company based in Czech Republic?
The people are beautiful, intelligent, very liberal, open
minded and proud of their culture which I find very
interesting.
What I dislike? There’s no beach and seafood is rare. As
a vegetarian, you will have to make do with cabbages,
peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. Beer is also cheaper
than water or juice.
How is the quality of life?
Except for some consumer items, Czech Republic is
fairly inexpensive compared to most European capitals.
The rent for a small, one-room apartment is 3000 Czech
korunas or 7000 pesos. The monthly transportation
ticket which enables you to ride trams, buses and
subways within the city costs 550 Czech korunas or
1,200 pesos.
There’s a work-life balance here that I love. People
here have 25 vacation days and seasonal festivals. I am
enjoying the free time and personal development. In
2010, I was able to join a dragon boat team composed
mostly of Czechs and Slovaks. In late 2011, I started an
international non-government organization as well as
revived the Filipino-Czech Association. In 2012, I met
so many struggling migrant Filipinos in Europe which
inspired me to become an instrument of change and
development for my countrymen.
What are your tips for Filipinos who have just
moved here?
Visit UNESCO heritage sites. Be active with sports. The
Czech people are sportsminded. Be friendly.
Issue 5 2014
15
WEAR
YOUR
LUCK
Feng shui expert
Marites Allen ventures
into fashion.
by Ma. Glaiza Lee
16
FASHION
H
ow do you choose which
clothes to buy? Why do you
wear the ensemble you pick
inside your closet? Why did you pick the floral
kaftan dress over a dotted maxi dress? Why
did you single out the striped shirt amid all the
selections?
Initially, we choose the clothes because they
appeal to us. The shape, colours and texture
suit our fashion preference. Sometimes we
consider the season: colourful cotton tank tops
for the summer, coat and jacket for the winter.
Other times, we follow our gut feel or our
meager budget.
There are times when we wear certain colours
and styles to make us feel better. You always
wear your favorite green blouse to your job
interview because you believe you look good
with it and help you score big. Or that red
strapless ensemble you always wear on a date
night to spark romance.
Most of the time, we wear clothes without
putting meaning to them. A horse detail on a
shirt is simply a top with prints, just as a peonypatterned skirt is just that – a bottom wear
with floral design. An overall with leaves and
stems motif may be just a fashion trend for the
fashionables, but it means different for feng
shui master Marites Allen.
“We are all unique and our clothes need to
reflect our minds, spirits, goals and aspirations.
What we wear tell so many things about
ourselves. While poor styling can give a bad
impression of you by others, the dress that you
wear can bolster your confidence and improve
your image,” says Allen.
You might be asking what does a feng shui
expert has to do with fashion. Apparently, there
is a lot, especially now that she had launched
her fashion brand, named Frigga, which
revolves around the feng shui principles.
“At its roots, feng shui has a strong relationship
with shape, colours and elements. So, it really
lends itself to fashion. You can see symbols
used in feng shui in the styles and trends in
fashion. The tradition to wear certain colours
during the New Year is based on feng shui
principles involving the Five Elements. In the
old feudal Chinese system, the Emperors would
wear clothes that have meanings - it can be
something with a dragon print or anything red.
The concept of wearing auspicious clothes
is not new. It is just a matter of encouraging
more people to embrace and understand
the practice,” explains Allen who believes that
beauty and fashion are also rooted in feng shui.
AND FRIGGA WAS BORN
Ever since she started her feng shui career,
Allen has been bugged with questions on what
colours, directions and symbols would be
auspicious for the coming year. Through the
years, she has mentored clients on how feng
shui works in homes and offices, sometimes
touching the subject on what colour should
the clients wear during important business
dealings.
It was not until five years ago when
the inspiration to create a fashion
line came her way. That time,
she was doing her usual
media rounds to promote
her annual feng shui forecast
event in Manila. “Most of
the questions thrown at
me were about preparing
for the Chinese New Year.
They would ask me what to do,
what food to prepare, or what to
wear. They would inquire about the
auspicious accessories to wear,” recalls
Allen.
That got her thinking – if only she could
put her practical feng shui knowledge
into a more accessible avenue.
“That’s where Frigga came in. A fashion
brand that incorporates feng shui
principles in fashion and will answer the
question about auspicious clothes in one
go,” Allen says.
In the following years, she equipped
herself by completing fashion courses
at the London College of Fashion, one
of UK’s predominant fashion schools,
where she met her fabulous design team.
She collaborated with Toby Meadows, a
fashion business consultant and bestselling author of “How to Set Up & Run a
Fashion Label,” Alice Shreeve and Hannah
Coniam, both fashion designers and creative
directors who also own multi-awarded fashion
brand Bell & Bunty, and Rupert Shreeve, brand
positioning and creative consultant, to come up
with the premiere fashion brand.
Sleeveless
button down
top with
horse print.
Issue 5 2014
17
Registered in London, other 27
European Union member countries
and in several Asian countries. Frigga
is named after a Norse goddess.
“Frigga is often pictured as the perfect
mother and wife. A strong and fitting
model for all women, she has the
power of prophecy and is regarded
as the goddess among all
the goddesses. She is
best personified by the
women who successfully
balance their career and
personal life, women
who take control of
their destiny,” describes
Allen.
what the current trends are and what would look
stylish for the wearer,” enthuses Allen.
LUCK AND LOVE ON YOUR SLEEVES
For the newest collection, they looked into what
will work with the elements of the following
year. For 2014, the year of the Wood Horse,
there will be a strong presence of wood.
Silhouettes like long gowns, which
conjure the image of tall tree, would
be a good pick.
This is what her fashion
brand hopes to
embody by combining
the Nordic ideal of
feminine power and
the mystique of the
ancient practice of
feng shui to bring
classy, chic, and
auspicious clothes
to people of all
ages.
If you want to increase your income
opportunities and enhance personal
abundance, you can opt for
something with mystic knot symbol,
preferably in blue hue, such as the
wrap top blouse set. A cowl neck
top with floral coins print and
golden ingot accessory are good
wealth enhancers.
Sleek geometric print dress brings
the trinity of Heaven, Earth and
Mankind to the wearer, showering her
abundance. The harmony of shapes and
warm colors creates a chic medium to
enhance business and career energies.
Dresses and blouses with double infinity
symbol or peony can give romantic
energies to the wearer. The symbol
attracts positive energy to enhance love
and marriage. Singles may wear a flowing
dress with sash belt and embellished
with double happiness to find love, while
married women are advised to have a
floral tunic blouse to sustain the romance
and overcome difficulties.
“Just as feng shui is
all about maneuvering
the environment to suit
our aspirations, this fashion
line is about knowing what to
wear and why we should wear
them. It is like affirming your
personal desires through the
clothes you wear and aligning
them with your surroundings,”
says the feng shui masterturned-fashion guru.
Dress to the nines while welcoming good
health and longevity with garments with
antakhkarana prints done in wood and
water colors. A long kaftan or tent dress
featuring antakhkarana print doesn’t
only make a fashion statement, but also
promotes good health. A Wu Lou shaped
charm necklace keeps illness away.
She worked closely with the
design team to conceptualize
and develop the collection.
They meticulously determined
which patterns, colors, cuts and
silhouettes would be auspicious.
A sleeveless top with fireball print as well
as the Rhino and Elephant kimono top will
protect you from harm and misfortune.
The fireball helps control the conflicting
energies present in your life. This symbol
is a potent cure for the Argumentative
Star, which may pose legal problems,
leave unresolved issues and create
“We make our own textiles. The feng
shui symbols are all incorporated and
printed on them. We create designs
based on feng shui principles, but we
don’t want it to look too traditional
and too Chinese. In creating
designs, the team keeps in mind
Coin print dress with
ruffled detail.
“Just as feng shui is all about maneuvering the environment to
suit our aspirations, this fashion line is about knowing what to
wear and why we should wear them.”
18
“To overcome the Misfortune Star
in your chart, cover yourself up in
ensemble with beautiful 5-element
pagoda print.”
misunderstanding in people.
To overcome the Misfortune Star in your
chart, cover yourself up in ensemble with a
beautiful 5-element pagoda print. A tower of
strength and fortitude, evoking the tree of life,
the 5-element pagoda turns misfortune to
opportunities and is often used for protection
and overcoming danger. A long-sleeved top
with soft, sleek and silky texture allows the
tower to flow fluidly into the body, absorbing
its potent energies.
Frigga limits its production to ensure
exclusivity. Each season will feature a certain
style. For instance, one season can be devoted
to the Water element, which symbolizes wealth
and prosperity and often symbolized by blue
color. The resulting collection will be launched
during the time when Water enhancement is
needed to attract good fortune. Other feng
shui symbols will also have their time to shine,
such as the mystic knot to attract luck or the
peacock for fame and popularity.
Belted
kaftan top
with rhino
print.
Allen concludes, “Every Frigga item carries a
distinctive fashion DNA, combining different
colors and prints which symbolize feng
shui elements. The brand is deeply rooted
in feng shui, whose very principle revolves
around the need to live in harmony with the
environment’s natural elements. Through the
fashion collection, we hope our clients attract
auspicious energies, enhance the chances in
gettng improved health, wealth, career and
relationships. Call it fashion for a reason or
fashion with a cause that goes beyond looking
good.”
For inquiries, visit www.frigga.co.uk.
Issue 5 2014
19
SHOPPING
Thousand Armed
Kuan Yin Crystal
Ball
Enhance
your luck
this 2014
8 Immortals On
A Mountain
I
Wedding Sedan
Chair
n the Chinese calendar for 2014, New Year begins
on Jan. 31. The animal sign that will reign supreme
is the volatile Wood Horse. Feng shui experts say,
expect an aggressive and rebellious year ahead.
Believers of feng shui, or the ancient Chinese art of
enhancing one’s luck by balancing the chi (energies)
of their space or environment, are advised to arm
themselves with the right charms and amulets to boost
their luck, if not protect themselves from malicious
stars.
“The best strategy this year is to stay low key and
protected,” says geomancer Marites Allen.
Fortunately, Allen says that the Year of the Wood
Horse has “wealth-making opportunities” that may be
hidden in times of misfortune. That the first half of the
year will prove positive for growth and money-making
opportunities.
Relationship-wise, 2014 is the perfect time to get
married or to start new romances thanks to the
presence of the no. 4 Star and Peach Blossom
according to the year’s Paht Chee chart or the fortune
telling chart. On the other hand, married couples
should take heed as the External Flower of the
Romance Star is threatening to expose sweethearts,
particularly men, to marital flings.
Tai Sui Amulet
Keychain
Green Tara
Prayer Wheel
directions: the South (Romance and Education Star),
West (Wealth Star), Southwest (White Star), North
(Prosperity Star), and Center (Romance and Education
Star).
Meanwhile, the unlucky stars are now in the Northwest
(Five Yellow or Misfortune Star), East (Illness Star),
Southeast (Quarrelsome Star), and Northeast (Robbery
Star).
Among the 12 animal signs, the luckiest is the Sheep
followed by (in no particular order) the Rabbit, Dragon,
Horse, Monkey, and Rooster.
Some of the must-have charms and protection include
the Thousand Armed Kuan Yin Crystal Ball which helps
fulfill one’s wishes as well as overcome hostility. The
Wedding Sedan Chair is a symbol of a happy and lasting
marriage. Its double happiness symbol means marital
bliss. The Painting God of Wealth brings extremely
auspicious money luck and prosperity into the
household, says Allen.
The Tai Sui amulet keychain is perfect for those owning
homes or working facing the South direction. They
are said to be confronting the Grand Duke, who is
considered the most highly respected and feared deity
in traditional Chinese belief.
Allen adds this is a good year to have children.
The 8 Immortals on a Mountain enhances the luck of
the Wealth Star. The Green Tara Prayer Wheel features
the powerful mantra of Green Tara: Om Tare Tuttare
Ture Soha; which helps grant wishes.
The auspicious stars have shifted to the following
For more information, visit www.prosperitymall.com. 20
FEATURES
Making her happy this V-Day
by Dheza Marie Aguilar
photos by Robin Kuijs
M
y first Valentine’s Day with my Dutch
husband was a bit of a shock to my Filipino
sensibilities. At that time, we were still living
in the Philippines and I was expecting a surprise like
perhaps, a bunch of red roses, a dinner date invitation,
or a movie date. The day passed by with me not getting
even a card or a peck on the cheek. Back then, I never
considered it as something cultural but rather as a
disappointment. Needless to say, we ended up fighting.
I got my dinner date the next day.
Five years later, I moved to the Netherlands and the
novelty of celebrating Valentine’s Day has since faded.
I realized that the Dutch think of Valentine’s Day
as a commercial ploy by Hallmark, some chocolate
companies and flower shops. I lowered my expectations
about V-Day. Though, my husband has already learned
to compromise, never forgetting to give me something
to celebrate the “special” day.
Those who are still looking for a gift for their Filipino
wives need not worry about spending too much on this
occasion. Most Filipino women are not hard to please.
Coming from a country where romantic movies are
always a hit no matter how cheesy they are, we swoon
at the smallest of things especially when we see the
effort and love that were put into them. The important
thing to remember is to make her feel special. We share
you some tips:
Write her a love letter and send it via snail mail.
There was a time when writing letters using scented
paper and sealing them with a kiss were considered
very romantic. The joy and excitement when you
see the mailman approach your house and hand
you a letter from that special someone were simply
incomparable. That was before. Because of the Internet
and social media, how we communicate today has taken
away the anticipation and most importantly, romance.
So we say, surprise your lady love the traditional way by
writing to her.
Prepare her a breakfast in bed
Filipino women are very caring. So much so, they don’t
Issue 5 2014
21
Wake her up with a breakfast in bed.
“Back in the day, the young man goes to
his lady love’s house, bringing a guitar
with him or a friend who knows how to
play the guitar, to serenade her with
songs by her window.”
see it a burden waking up early before their husband
and kids so they can prepare breakfast for them. We
suggest turn her alarm off on that special day, wake
up before she does and prepare her some breakfast
in bed. Waking her up with kisses would be a great
bonus. A long-stem rose plus a lovely card would
complete the whole surprise and might even win you
most romantic partner of the year.
Harana
Harana is one of the traditional ways of courting a girl
particularly in Philippine provinces. Back in the day,
the young man goes to his lady love’s house, bringing
a guitar with him or a friend who knows how to play
the guitar, to serenade her with songs by her window.
Grandmas would good-humoredly remember their
parents having the dog chase after their suitor or
pouring a bucket of urine outside their window
targeting the poor lovelorn fellow. Not anymore.
Nowadays, plugging a microphone to your computer
and singing her favorite song will do.
Create a scrapbook chronicling your love story
Filipinos, like other Asians, are crazy about pictures.
But most of us don’t have time to print and
organize them in an album. So putting some of your
unforgettable photos together in a scrapbook will
be one of the sweetest gifts you can give her. The
internet gives you thousands of creative ways to pull
this one off. Download an album-making software to
help you create a collage of your photos together –
from the moment you met until three children later.
22
A bunch of red roses is a classic way of making
her feel special.
Give her some alone time or allow her to bond
with her girlfriends
Those with kids will definitely appreciate some “girl’s
day out.” Let her sleep in, arrange a coffee date
for her and her girlfriends, accompany her to her
hairdresser, or treat her to a spa or some shopping.
With all the responsibilities they carry on their
shoulders, moms need a day of rest and pampering. It
will be a great way to show your love for her.
Gift her with a romantic book
As much as we are suckers for chick flicks, we also
enjoy reading about feel-good love stories. Give
her a book of poems by Pablo Neruda or the latest
Harlequin novel with a sweet note written on one of
the book sleeves.
Bouquet of red roses
Honestly, girls fancy roses and diamonds. If you don’t
have the budget for the latter, the former will do. A
bunch of red roses delivered to her workplace or to
your house with a sweet note will earn you points in
the romance department.
Take her to a candlelight dinner
A candlelight dinner will always make any girl feel
special on Valentine’s Day. But keep in mind that you
don’t need to go to an expensive restaurant. Simply
set up the dinner table as nicely as you can and cook
her favorite dish.
RELATIONSHIP
A very gay
union
Words and photos by Patrick Camara Ropeta
F
ilipino Jojo Jimenez and British Nigel Sparling met
on a night out with friends in 2004. They spotted each
other outside a bar at closing time and ended up together
at Nigel’s flat. They spent the rest of that weekend
together, turning a one-night stand into a long-term
relationship.
“We both felt comfortable and it felt incredibly right,”
Sparling describes.
“I think you can call it destiny in some way,” says Jimenez,
who moved to England to work as a nurse. “Filipinos tend
to be a bit romantic. I’ve been waiting all my life. I thought
he was the one so I stayed to see what would happen.”
Jimenez and Sparling have been together for a decade
since. In 2009 they entered civil partnership, which
became legal for same-sex couples in 2005 in the United
Kingdom.
Like other couples, Jimenez says they hit a few rough
patches at the start of their relationship. Jimenez was
being “a little too possessive.”
“I felt like he was still not properly committed to me in the
first few months of being together,” Jimenez explains. “At
the back of my mind, I was thinking maybe he was still
doing something with other guys.”
Jimenez eventually found the reassurance he had been
yearning for. “I realised we love and respect each other.
It’s probably just me thinking about it too much. Now I feel
content. Being with Nigel gives me a sense of belonging. I
never thought I’d fall in love with an English guy but I did.”
Up to this day, the couple say they encounter strange
“looks” at restaurants and hotels, particularly outside
London where attitudes tend to be more conservative.
“They’re just not used to it,” says Jimenez. “And it’s probably
a shock more than anything.”
They also experience the same kind of prejudice
particularly in Jimenez’s hometown in the Philippines. “I
think sometimes people wonder what this big white guy
is doing with a Filipino guy. They probably think he just
picked me up from somewhere. That’s the initial reaction.
You can see it in the look on their faces,” he shares.
Jimenez furthers, “When you go to places like Valenzuela
where I grew up, people really stare. We just have to brush
it off and carry on. It’s a shame but it’s just how it is. They
probably haven’t seen a lot of interracial gay couples.”
Issue 5 2014
23
Traveling for the couple means only going to places
where the LGBT community is welcome.
“We make sure we only go to gay-friendly countries,”
shares Jimenez. He cites Russia, Africa and the Middle
East as less accepting when it comes to LGBTs.
Sparling adds, “We can’t go to some countries as a
gay couple because I know for a fact that there will be
people who will be disapproving of us. We spend a lot
of money on holidays and there are other countries
we can go to where we don’t feel like that.”
The couple come from very different cultures,
bringing its own complications and challenges into
the relationship. They have learned to compromise
and be more understanding of each other.
“Some of the communications are sometimes
difficult,” Sparling reveals, “For example, two Western
guys will have an argument and it will be over in 20
minutes. And you say sorry, that’s the end of it. I have
discovered to my frustration that Filipinos, and I think
Sparling and Jimenez at Old Compton Street
in Soho.
FAR FROM PERFECT
The late 1990s was a time of great change in the UK, ushered in by then newly-elected young Prime Minister, Tony Blair. His
tenure under a liberal Labour government saw significant improvements in gay rights, such as lowering the age of consent
for same-sex intercourse down from 18 to 16, making it equal to heterosexuals.
The year 2014 is set to become another milestone for equal rights in the UK. Later this year, same-sex marriage will finally
become legal in England and Wales after its approval in Parliament a few months ago.
But there is still a long way to go in achieving true equality. For despite the impending introduction of same-sex marriage
in England and Wales, other members of the union remain unchanged. Scotland has accepted it in principle but is yet to
officially pass the bill, while Northern Ireland, arguably a more religious state, has so far no intentions to introduce similar
legislations.
The evolution of gay rights in the UK: TIMELINE
Offence of “gross
indecency”
created, making
all sexual acts
between men
illegal.
1885
1895
A Royal
Commission is set
up at the House
of Commons
to investigate
the law relating
to homosexual
offences.
1953
Writer Oscar
Wilde is
prosecuted for
gross indecency.
24
1954
Ban in plays with
homosexual
themes is
lifted, allowing
representation
in theatre and
cinema.
1958
Wolfenden Report
on Homosexual
Offences and
Prostitution
recommends the
decriminalisation
of homosexual
behaviour
between two
consenting adults.
1967
National Council
for Civil Liverties
(now Liberty)
begins survey on
police harassment
of gays. First UK
Gay Pride March
also takes place in
London with 700
people.
1972
Homosexuality
decriminalised
in England and
Wales for people
aged 21 and
over.
1973
Scotland
decriminalises
homosexuality
in line with
England and
Wales. First gay
TV series is also
commissioned by
London Weekend
Television.
1979
First UK gay
helpline founded
in Oxford.
First national
gay rights
conference
also held in
Morecombe.
1982
Formation of
OutRage! following
several murders of
gay men.
1990
Decriminalisation
of homosexuality
extends to
Northern Ireland
following decision
from European
Court of Human
Rights
1994
Age of consent
for same-sex
intercourse
reduced from
21 to 18.
“So many things are much more
important like family. There are
many things that the Western
world has lost so much that
Southeast Asia can teach us, like
good manners and respect for
each other.”
it’s an Asian thing, will carry on with that argument and
it can be for days. Sometimes you don’t actually know
what you’ve done. That’s very different for me.”
Jimenez says it boils down to levels of sensitivity based
on cultural differences.
All things considered, Sparling says he feels genuine
appreciation for Southeast Asian cultures.
“It’s a different way of life,” Sparling shares. “So many
things are much more important like family. There are
many things that the Western world has lost so much
that Southeast Asia can teach us, like good manners
and respect for each other. That’s what started it for
me.”
Labour Party
comes into power
led by Tony Blair.
Culture Secretary
Chris Smith
becomes first
openly gay cabinet
minister.
1997
1998
Age of consent
reduced from 18
to 16, equal with
straight people.
Scotland also
abolishes Section
28 from the Local
Government Act.
2000
Human Rights Act is
approved, providing
fundamental rights
and freedom without
discrimination. But
Section 28 of a local
government bill
bans “promotion” of
gay relationships as
a “pretend” family,
causing outrage
among gay groups
and many teachers.
2001
Unmarried and
gay couples are
given right to
adopt a child.
2002
London Mayor
Ken Livingston
sets up Britain’s
first register
for gay couple,
though still
without legal
rights.
2003
With friends at the World Pride 2012 in London.
According to Sparling, being in a gay relatioship is so
much better today.
“It’s fantastic,” says Sparling. “I remember what it’s like
in the 80s and 90s. Now, everything is on our side. We
have the law which is just about where it needs to be.
We have the same rights as straight people. We share
everything. It’s not a problem anywhere we go.”
The couple is based in London, where they enjoy a
great deal of freedom to live the life they want.
The Civil
Partnership Act
is approved to
include same-sex
couples.
2004
Section 28 of the
Local Government
Act 1988 is
repealed. The
section prohibited
local authorities
from “promoting”
homosexuality or
teaching of the
“acceptability of
homosexuality”.
2005
The Equality Act 2010
is approved, making it
illegal to discriminate
on grounds of sexual
orientation when
providing goods,
services, education,
facilities, properties,
and other public
functions. More
openly gay and
lesbian MPs also
elected at General
Election.
2010
Same-sex
couples are
legally allowed
to enter civil
partnership.
2011
Marriage (SameSex Couples) Act
2013 is approved,
allowing same-sex
couples to marry.
2013
Legislation supports
same-sex civil
partnerships
to occur on
religious premises,
where religious
denominations wish
to carry out the
ceremonies.
2014
Same-sex
couples are
legally allowed
to marry in
England and
Wales.
Issue 5 2014
25
Alternative cures to the
common cold
by Lyssa Ericka Cabarles
W
inter has come.
And as the
temperature drops, the
risk of getting the common
cold increases. It’s time to
watch out for the following
symptoms: runny nose, cough,
sore throat, sneezing, and low
fever, to name a few.
Calamansi
Rest
Calamansi is a fruit growing
abundantly all over Southeast Asia.
It is very popular in the Philippines
as an alternative to lemon.
Although said to have no medicinal
benefits, calamansi is very rich in
Vitamin C which helps strengthen
the body’s immune system.
Drinking calamansi juice also helps
eliminate toxins in the body.
Get plenty of rest. It will help your
immune system fight off the cold
virus more quickly. All the other
remedies won’t be effective if you
will keep on moving about. More
so, you infect other people if you
don’t stay home. Make sure to
keep yourself warm.
H2O
Vapor rub
Chicken sopas
Having a cold dehydrates
the body. Thus, increasing
your fluid intake doesn’t only
keep you hydrated but also
help break up your nasal
congestion. Water helps
remove toxins from your
body, increasing your immune
system’s ability to fight off the
virus. Be sure to drink at least
8-10 glasses of water daily.
This is the go-to remedy of mothers
once they noticed the early
symptoms of the common cold in
their kids or husbands.
While others would resort to
self-medication or a visit to the
doctor, not a few Filipinos turn
to traditional or alternative
medicines for an immediate
cure.
The Filipino Expat has listed
some of the top 10 Filipino
cures for the common cold:
26
A vapor rub is a mentholated,
petroleum based gel intended
to relieve nasal congestion and
discomfort caused by colds.
Apply a generous amount to neck
and chest and massage for 30
minutes before bedtime.
(Chicken macaroni soup)
The Filipino version of the
Western chicken noodle soup,
chicken sopas is considered not
only a comfort food but also a
folk remedy against colds and flu.
Every Filipino household has their
own recipe prepared during cold
rainy days or when someone’s not
feeling well.
See page 50 for the recipe.
HEALTH
Salabat
Ginger oil has soothing properties .
It is believed that eating ginger
warms the body. This helps if
you’re experiencing chills.
Some take it as a lozenge. But if
eating it raw is too much for you, a
hot ginger tea (salabat) might just
do the trick.
To make ginger tea, follow these simple
steps: Fill up a kettle or a saucepan with
4-5 cups of water, add grated ginger and
bring to a boil. Drink it 3-4 times a day
until you feel better. You can drink it as
it is or you can add a few tablespoons of
lemon and honey.
Garlic
Oregano
Honey
Garlic is said to help normalize
cholesterol and blood pressure.
Research says that those who
take garlic supplements daily
suffer fewer colds mainly
because of its immune boosting
properties. Garlic is known to
be a potent antibacterial and
antiviral agent. Experts advise
chewing raw garlic to get the
most out of its health benefits.
But if you can’t bear the strong
taste, you may finely chop it
and use it as toppings to your
rice or toast. There’s this option
of preparing garlic tea or garlic
soup as well. Mixing honey in
garlic tea is another effective
remedy.
This perennial herb and member
of the mint family is very high in
antioxidants explaining its medicinal
benefits. The steam from a handful
of oregano in boiling water is a
great vaporizer. Drinking oregano
tea has therapeutic effects, too. You
may add honey to sweeten its taste.
Healthyhappybeautiful.com shares
how to make an oregano tea.
Raw, organic honey is rich in
vitamins, minerals and enzymes
that can help boost the immune
system.
Procedure:
Salt water
Here’s how to make your own
garlic-honey tea:
1. Bring water to a boil in a
saucepan.
2. When water has boiled, remove
from heat.
3. Add oregano leaves and allow
to steep for five minutes. You
could allow it to steep longer, but
remember that the longer it steeps,
the more of bitter it will taste.
4. Strain the infused water into a
mug. Add honey if desired and stir
well.
The easiest and most common
way to relieve a sore and scratchy
throat is by gargling a glass of
lukewarm water mixed with just
the right amount of salt. According
to studies, the salt draws out
excess fluids in the throat’s
tissues, reducing inflammation and
cleaning mucous and irritants from
the throat. It also helps flush out
bacteria and viruses from the body.
Gargle ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt
dissolved in a glass of warm water.
Peel a whole head of garlic.
Mince finely by chopping or
squeezing through a garlic press.
Put in a mortar and pound
until the garlic begins to go
transparent.
Spoon into a jar with 225g of
honey. Stir well.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano or
2 tsp fresh leaves
250 ml water
1 tsp honey.
Issue 5 2014
27
WELLNESS
Bringing Pinoy-style
wellness to Barcelona
28
Maya Khasmine Valencia has made hilot a hit among Europeans.
W
hen it comes to pampering,
rest and relaxation, most
Filipinos are spoiled for choice.
In the Philippines, there is an
abundance of beauty salons,
spa and wellness centres –from
the most affordable neighbourhood “masahista”
to exclusive retreat destinations. As such, getting a
calming massage after a hard day’s work does not
require much effort or expense.
and saved up.
This sort of indulgence is one of the things that
we give up when we migrate overseas. In Europe,
for one, the services are relatively more expensive
compared to the Philippines. Two, there is that
unique Filipino way of pampering that seems to be
lacking.
Introducing hilot to Europeans
With that in mind, former financial executive Maya
Khasmine Valencia decided to open her own spa that
offers the unique Filipino warmth and hospitality in
Barcelona. Oriental Jasmine was a dream of Valencia
that only came to fruition when she lost her job. The
company she was working for downsized due to the
economic crisis in Spain eventually letting go of some
employees. The native of General Santos saw it as an
opportunity to open her spa business.
Before Oriental Jasmine, Valencia had been looking
for the kind of spa treatment that she was used
to back home in the Philippines. She already tried
different spa and massage treatments from all over
the world –from Thailand to Mexico and India. Each
time, Valencia would always look for that unique
Filipino touch. So much so, while still working for her
former company, she was always imagining her spa
and wellness centre. She drew up a business plan
“Part of my personality is being aggressive. I don’t
really care [about the obstacles]. If I want something,
I will get it,” says Valencia.
In April 2013, Valencia officially opened Oriental
Jasmine on Calle Muntaner, a stone’s throw away
from the popular university square in the centre of
Barcelona.
Oriental Jasmine offers almost everything that
a woman might need for her day of pampering.
However, clients, including Europeans, come here
for the Filipino traditional massage called hilot.
Valencia hired professional Filipino physiotherapists
who had hilot training in the Philippines to attend
to her growing customers. To make the massage
experience much more authentic, the spa and
wellness centre only uses virgin coconut oil and wild
ginseng imported all the way from the Philippines.
According to Valencia, one of the reasons that she
decided to introduce hilot to Europeans was that she
wanted them to feel it’s therapeutic benefits.
“When I was growing up in General Santos, I was
used to being treated with hilot whenever I was sick
or having body aches,” recalls Valencia.
In the rural areas of the Philippines, hilot is the first
thing that comes to mind whenever a member of the
family is feeling under the weather or experiencing
body pains. After all, it is cheaper to go to the
manghihilot or albularyo (medicine man) than go
Issue 5 2014
29
Oriental Jasmine offers clients the unique
Filipino way of pampering.
to a doctor. Hilot can take on different forms: As a
chiropractic technique to align dislocated bones or
as a massage treatment to cure back pains or other
common illnesses like colds. In some remote villages,
hilot is still being administered to assist in childbirth.
Oriental Jasmine recommends hilot to clients who are
under so much stress or complaining about an upper
back pain.
“There are a lot of massages that are already being
offered here in Barcelona. To make my spa different
from the rest, I decided to offer our traditional healing
massage,” says Valencia.
Oriental Jasmine also offers body scrubs, nail
treatments, waxing and natural facial lifts.
Our hilot experience
During a recent vacation in Barcelona, my husband
and I decided to try Oriental Jasmine’s signature hilot
treatment. We’ve been walking around the city for
three days and our tired and exhausted bodies were
screaming for a good massage. Used to the Swedish
massage, the hubby was a bit hesitant at first, worried
that hilot would be as painful as the Thai massage he
had a few weeks back. But I was able to convince him
to try it.
Oriental Jasmine is furnished with spacious interiors
as well as tasteful decorations that include white sofas
with Moroccan throw pillows for customers who want
to try the nail care services, for example. The dimlylit massage area features a Buddha statue lying on a
wooden table. Huge lamps hang by the door of the
massage rooms.
30
Girlfriends can share bonding moments at the nail spa area.
The masseuse generously slathered warm virgin
coconut oil on my feet. I was told that a bottle of which
is permanently sitting on a basin of hot water in the
spa’s kitchen so that the oil will not coagulate. Then she
worked her way to my legs and my aching back. Soon,
I was feeling my muscles loosening up, the pain in my
back going away. In the Philippines, we would usually
associate back pain with lamig or muscle spasm. We
turn to hilot for relief.
After a while, I felt myself slipping into dreamland. I
woke up to a light tap on my back signaling that my
one-hour massage was over. I forced myself to get up,
feeling so much more relaxed. Then, Valencia offered
me a cup of hot tea that helped warm my body.
I waited for my husband at the lobby, wondering how
his massage went. Ten minutes later, he emerged
from the massage room, freshly showered and looking
relaxed. I am positive that he too had a good hilot
experience.
Oriental Jasmine Nail, Spa and Massage is located at C/
Muntaner 88, 08011 Barcelona, Spain. Call (93) 453 75 51
or email [email protected].
TRADITIONS
THE WAY WE WERE
by Lyssa Ericka Cabarles
Illustrations by Windy Dela Cruz
T
hird culture kids are exposed to different
cultures and traditions when growing up.
Not surprisingly, some of the traditional
values and practises that their parents grew
up with get lost on them. It is not exactly a bad
thing depending on how you look at it. A few of us
simply like to remember those days when kids had
less technology to distract them and follow more
rules of conduct at home. Read on to understand
more about a typical Filipino child and the home
they grew up with.
“A few of us simply like to remember those days when kids had less
technology to distract them and follow more rules of conduct at home.”
Issue 5 2014
31
1
Po and Opo. Filipino
children are taught
from birth how to say
“po” and “opo” to show
respect for elders. Po is normally
used at the end of a sentence.
Opo is equivalent to “yes” when
answering questions from an
elder or superior.
2
Pagmamano. A form
of greeting or farewell,
pagmamano is another
gesture of showing respect
for elders. It is accompanied by
the words, “Mano po.” The practice
is done by taking the right hand
of the elderly or parent, lightly
touching the back of their hand on
your forehead for a second or two
before saying the accompanying
words of respect.
3
Ate and Kuya. One way of showing respect to older siblings
is by addressing them with Ate and Kuya. Ate is used to
address an older sister and Kuya is to an older brother.
Sometimes, kids use manong for kuya and manang for ate.
These titles are not only confined within family members. It is also
used when addressing even complete strangers to show respect
and politeness.
4
Living with parents. Even if they’ve
already reached adulthood or got
married, some Filipinos continue
to live with their parents. In fact,
Filipino households can sometimes have
up to four generations living in one house.
5
Praying before
eating. Being a
predominantly
Catholic country,
Filipino children are
encouraged to pray before
eating. This is to give thanks
for the food on the table,
often led by one member of
the family. The prayer begins
and ends with making the
sign of the cross.
32
COVER STORY
The life and times
of third culture kids
by Myra Colis
S
eventeen-year-old Teresa Corti was
born to a Filipino mother and a SwissItalian father. She spent most of her
childhood in Lugano, Switzerland until
her family moved to the Netherlands
when she was 13. The high school student
considers herself neither Filipino nor SwissItalian but a Eurasian. She feels the connection
to her Filipino roots whenever her mom cooks
some recipes from her home country. Corti’s
multicultural upbringing at home and her
exposure to other third culture kids at the
International School of the Hague, where she is
currently studying, is molding her to become a
citizen of the world.
“In the past, I used to encounter discrimination
because of the color of my skin. But that doesn’t
bother me any longer. Being who I am and
growing up between different cultures have made
me a more open-minded individual especially in
terms of other people’s cultures and ethics,” says
the high school student.
Corti spends her free time traveling, baking,
painting and playing the piano. She used to lead
her team in national competitions at the Canton
Ticino Gymnastics in Switzerland.
Issue 5 2014
33
“Norwegians and
Filipinos don’t see
me 100 percent
like either of
them. Because
I don’t speak
Filipino, I’m just
a tourist every
time I go back to
the Philippines. In
Norway, I face a
bit of racism.”
Corti belongs to today’s generation of
third culture kids trying to cope with the
issues and realities brought about by their
mixed cultural background. They have the
option of either to take advantage of their
situation or give in to the pressures and
uncertainties of being a TCK.
Ytterdahl is currently completing his last
year of studies in pedagogy. He hopes to
become a teacher soon. “I believe in the
power of education and that everyone
should have the right to it,” says Ytterdahl.
Experts define TCKs as those who
have spent a significant part of their
developmental years outside their parents’
culture. Sociologist Ruth Hill Useem was
said to have coined the term in the 1950s.
Ted Ward, another sociologist, tagged TCKs
as the prototype citizens of the future.
Like Ytterdahl, Christina Claus, 21, feels she
has more influences of her German-Dutch
father than her Filipino mother. Born and
raised in the Netherlands, Claus thinks it
an opportunity to be living in a country
with multicultural people. She has more
freedom to express herself.
These global nomads are imagined to be
leading glamorous lives, being multilingual,
exposed to the cultures of the world, and
living from one city to another. However,
talking to these TCKs reveals tales of
restlessness, social phobia or fear of
intimacy, not having a sense of belonging
or a home to call their own (to be poetic
about it), among others. Some are
surviving successfully by practising a more
open mind, like young Corti, or using their
global experiences to impact change in
their environment or help others.
“For instance, I think I have a wider
perspective on religion that my parents
don’t share. We have opposing point of
views but we respect each other,” says
Claus.
Not one or the other
Alex Gerardo Ytterdahl, 27, finds it a
challenge being both Norwegian and
Filipino. According to him, people from
both sides of the globe don’t see him
belonging to one or the other.
“Norwegians and Filipinos don’t see me
100 percent like either of them,” admits
Ytterdahl. “Because I don’t speak Filipino,
I’m just a tourist every time I go back to
the Philippines. In Norway, I face a bit of
racism.”
Be that as it may, the musician-producer
says that he doesn’t have a chip on his
shoulder.
“Having a blend of Filipino and Norwegian
cultures is an advantage,” says Ytterdahl.
“I see people based on who they really are
and not according to ethnic background or
skin color.”
Having been raised in Norway most of
his life, Ytterdahl says that he feels more
Norwegian than Filipino. He has travelled
to the Philippines a few times to get in
touch with his Filipino roots. According to
him, he is “emotionally connected” to the
Philippines.
34
Open-minded
Claus maintains she is proud of her Filipino
roots and she makes sure her friends and
classmates knew it.
“I can’t speak any Filipino language but I
am eager to learn Tagalog soon. During
my last year’s visit to the Philippines, I felt
so excited to learn about the Philippine
culture. I even dared to eat balut,” beams
Claus, who helps out at the Stichting
Bayanihan, an organization that reaches
out to Filipino women in the Netherlands.
Claus is currently studying food design
and innovation at HAS Den Bosch
while working at an Italian restaurant in
Rotterdam.
Multilingual and sexy
German-Filipino Philipp Horn, 18, says that
having the ability to speak three languages:
English, German, and Dutch, is one of
the advantages of being a TCK. That and
having lightly tinted skin color that girls in
the Netherlands seem to find attractive,
the young student jokes.
Kidding aside, Horn says he feels
“happy and blessed” to be living in the
Netherlands. Born in Laguna, Philippines,
Horn was brought to The Netherlands by
his parents when he was two years old.
“I always feel sad when I visit the
Philippines,” reveals Horn. “It breaks my
heart to see some people living in poverty,
having very poor quality of life.”
Horn dreams of becoming a social worker .
Blending well
Norwegian-Filipino Rayner Ron
Vintervoll says he didn’t experience any
cultural challenges at school or at work,
primarily giving credit to his education
at international schools –from primary
to university.
“At an international primary school I
went to when I was young, they taught
us basic skills and etiquette when
dealing with people from different
cultural backgrounds,” shares Vintervoll.
Employed as a technical architect at
Accenture, an international company,
Vintervoll says that he works with
people from different origins and
notices no cultural biases. In his
previous jobs, he says, there was little
regard on cultural background. “It’s
what you do that counts,” emphasizes
Vintervoll.
According to him, one of the advantages
of being a TCK is that it helps one to
stand out especially in communities
where mixed culture is not common.
He says, “This is extremely beneficial
for networking and raising your own
visibility particularly in a modern work
environment that we have now.”
Vintervoll admits that he doesn’t have
that much connection to that Filipino
side of him. He considers himself 40
percent Norwegian, 25 percent Filipino,
and 35 percent international. His wife
is Norwegian, and they’ve been married
for 11 years now.
“Perhaps it’s because of lack of
prioritization or simply time constraints
that I don’t connect much to my Filipino
roots,” says Vintervoll. “However, I do
spend some holidays in the Philippines
and occasionally attend Filipino cultural
activities in Norway.”
Vintervoll is currently involved in one of
Scandinavia’s largest health and public
service projects on welfare reform.
Culture shock
Despite being born and raised in
London, Edward Lao grew up imbibing
and sharing some Filipino traits and
habits thanks to the influences of his
Filipino-Chinese father and Filipino
mother.
“I think my parents raised me
in quite a Filipino, Asian way.
I was taught to address the
elders as uncle or aunt. I love
vinegar and can also eat with
my hands.”
Lao’s parents met and got married in
London. His mother was one of the first
batches of Filipino nurses who came to
the UK in the 1970s. His father arrived
in the 1980s as a former presidential
guard.
“I think my parents raised me in quite
a Filipino, Asian way. I was taught to
address the elders as uncle or aunt.
I love vinegar and can also eat with
my hands. I experienced the ‘slipper’
treatment whenever I stepped out of
line. I know that ‘psst’ and ‘hoy’ can get
the attention of Pinoys. I know what
Filipino time is and that people can
point with their lips, but I don’t do that.
I also enjoy playing basketball with
my cousins every time we go to the
Philippines for a visit,” explains Lao,
who is often mistaken as Chinese, Thai,
Japanese, Korean, American, but hardly
British or Filipino.
According to Lao, he tried working in the
Philippines back in 2006. Needless to
say, the experience was a huge culture
shock for the multicultural Pinoy.
“After six months of traveling in the
Philippines, I eventually landed a job
at ABS-CBN News Channel in Manila.
Later, I realized the Philippine work
environment is very different from that
in the U.K. For instance, I couldn’t get
used to addressing people ‘sir’ and
‘ma’am.’ I was also shocked to hear
a lot of politicians being killed during
election, something unheard of in the
UK,” recalls Lao.
Rich and
famous in
PHL
In the Philippines,
third culture kids are
dominating the sports
and entertainment
industries. Their pretty
faces are regularly seen
on TV screens, starring in
soap operas, television
commercials or movies.
Even billboards on
major thoroughfares
are splattered with their
almost perfect mixed-race
features. Filipinos just love
them:
Anne Curtis,
Australian-Filipino,
Actress and TV host.
Siblings Phil
and James
Younghusband,
British-Filipino,
Football players
Marian Rivera,
Spanish-Filipino,
Actress
Currently, Lao works as a live/
offline subtitler for a London-based
international entertainment company
while doing freelance writing for ANC
News Bureau in London.
-With research by Lana Kristine
Jelenjev
Gerald Anderson,
American-Filipino,
Actor
Issue 5 2014
35
How your kids can
legally migrate to Spain
T
he Philippines’ ascent as a major labor exporter
in Asia and worldwide is based on various
factors. Large-scale labor migration from the
Philippines started in the 1970s. The “push” factors
were very strong but made worse by the oil crisis in
1973. The absence of sustained economic development,
political instability, a growing population, double-digit
unemployment levels, and low wages continue to compel
people to look abroad.
The flow of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), numbering
a few thousands per year in the early 1970s, has grown
to hundreds of thousands today. The majority of women
OFWs are in domestic work, the men in construction and
manpower. Women OFWs can also be found in factory
work, sales, and nursing. Then they settle in countries
that are not popular destinations for immigration through
marriage or work-related migration. This permanent
migration, however, was overshadowed by the larger
and thornier temporary labor migration until the trend
has changed. Most of them had acquired permanent
residence and work permits and become citizens of their
host countries. Those who seek economic stability for
their family settled there followed by their children.
The third generation is now going to foreign countries
to study as well as work in professions that fit their
academic and professional qualifications. However,
immigration policies have become more difficult and
complicated.
There are several options to migrate to Spain, the most
common of which is Family Petition. This is applicable
to the children and parents of those who are residents
in Spain but are not citizens of the European country. It
requires the petitioner to have at least a monthly income
of 800 euros for one family member to be petitioned
and at least 1,100 euros for two family members to
be petitioned. Besides, the petitioner must have a
certification of a decent home issued by the City Hall to
be presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
host country together with the following documents:
application form, copy of the passport of the applicant
36
LAW CORNER WITH ATTY. CAT
and the alien identification number (Numero de
Identification de Extranjero or N.I.E), certified copy of the
documentation showing employment or having sufficient
financial resources like copy of employment contract,
latest tax declaration, payroll in the past three months
and receipt of payment of tax amounting to 10.20 euros.
Meanwhile, the beneficiary must present the certified
true copy of birth certificate and copy of passport
(photocopy all pages).
After completion of all the required documents, the
government will issue the resolution. If the result
is favorable, the beneficiary must present the said
resolution to the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines
to apply for the visa. He must show the original valid
passport and submit an N.B.I clearance as well as
medical certificate. If the children to be petitioned are by
a single parent, secure a documentation certifying that
the parent exercises sole parental authority, has been
awarded custody by Philippine courts, or has been given
certification of permit by the other parent. The visa will be
issued in the period of 15 to 30 days and must leave the
Philippines within three months of the issuance.
Here are other ways to legal migration depending on the
situation:
Those residents who either have minor children born
in Spain or minors who are not born in Spain. The
requirements are almost the same with the regular
petition process. It only differs in terms of personal
documentation of the minor.
Those who will come to Spain to study including
those who were granted scholarships by the Spanish
government need not have to have parents who are
residents of Spain so long as the visa requirements are
met. For more inquires, email Atty. Chona Abiertas Tenorio at
[email protected]
Issue 5 2014
37
More
than
just
skindeep
Baas with schoolchildren in Leyte.
“Why are you competing in something that you
cannot win anyway?”
Sheryl Lynn Baas’ mom was completely
incredulous when she first heard that her
daughter, then a law school student, was joining
the Miss Netherlands beauty pageant. Coming
from a very poor family in Leyte, Susan wanted
nothing to distract her children from finishing
school. She believed that having a degree meant
being successful in life. After all, that’s how she did
it: Education paved the way for her to lead a more
comfortable life in the Netherlands and send her
ten siblings to school.
But the caramel-colored, multicultural young
woman had a different plan. Baas knew that
the competition would be her stepping stone to
achieving not only success in life but also a lifelong
dream of helping other people. So against her
mother’s wishes, Baas signed up for the pageant.
“In the Netherlands, people think that a beauty
pageant is a meat market of sorts. That’s why it’s
not as popular compared to the Philippines or
38
Latin America,” laments Baas.
According to the young beauty, the Dutch criticise
such competitions as not contributing enough to
the mind. But Baas believes otherwise. She read
somewhere that a crown and a sash can be a
medium for reaching out to other people.
“I think that being a beauty queen is all about
being well-rounded. It is not just about being
beautiful on the outside but also on the inside;
having a purpose and sharing that purpose with
other people,” says Baas.
Baas has been exposed to poverty in some
parts of the Philippines ever since she was a
kid (family vacations were spent in her mother’s
home country). Suffice it to say, at an early age,
Baas already knew that she wanted to help her
kababayans.
To make the long story short, Baas was named
representative of the Netherlands to the Miss
World 2006 tilt in Poland. She did not get the
coveted title but it opened doors for her to start
GIVING BACK
Posing in front of a
building she donated.
her own charity organization called the Sheryl
Lynn Foundation, a year later.
During the recent calamity that hit the Philippines,
Baas became the unofficial spokesperson for
the Philippines, doing the rounds in television,
newspapers, radio and social media asking the
Dutch people to help the victims of Typhoon
Haiyan. As of this writing, Samenwerkende
Hulporganisaties has collected almost €35 million,
to be donated to nine organisations currently
helping typhoon-hit areas in the country. This
amount is on top of the €6 million that the Dutch
government already donated to private charities in
the Philippines.
Growing up as a third culture kid
Living in the Netherlands, known to have high
tolerance for immigrants, Baas did not have to
deal with problems that some third culture kids
encounter in other countries. In fact, she was
often approached by modelling agents due to
her mixed beauty. However, her father did not
approve, knowing his daughter to be too soft for
the cutthroat industry.
Baas considers being a multicultural kid an
advantage because it does not only teaches her to
have a broader outlook in life but also exposes her
to experiences and influences outside her circle.
“My parents complemented each other [when they
were raising me]. My father is a little bit relaxed
when it comes to certain things. He is more about
enjoying life, doing the things that make you happy
whereas my mother is more like study first. But
they always meet in the middle,” shares Baas.
Baas and her brother grew up imbibing and
following certain Filipino traditions like having
deep respect for parents, praying before a meal,
among others. Whenever they would come home
to the Philippines, Baas would play with cousins
and other kids in the neighborhood. She would
be in awe of the resourcefulness of Filipino kids in
the provinces. They make their toys from scraps or
recycled materials instead of buying them.
“As a child, it was horrible to leave the Philippines.
The pain was simply indescribable, something I
have never felt before. Each time I left by boat,
seeing the island of Leyte become smaller and
smaller, I remember all the good times, the
bonding, playing, feeling so much loved,” recalls
Baas.
Baas will be forever grateful to her mom for
instilling in her love for family. She always keeps in
touch with her relatives in the Philippines as well
as her cousins in the Netherlands.
Issue 5 2014
39
Joining a beauty pageant has helped Baas
achieve one of her dreams.
“As a child, it was horrible to leave
the Philippines. The pain was simply
indescribable..”
When her mother had a stroke, Baas, who had been
living in Canada for more than two years at that time, left
for the Netherlands to take care of her mom.
Baas admits that her relationship with her mom has its
ups and downs. For instance, discussions about teen sex
was something that her far more conservative Filipina
mother was not ready to explore.
“The one thing that was really hard for my mother was
that I had engaged in premarital sex, which is very
common among girls my age here in the Netherlands.
But she has learned to accept it knowing that she has
taught me values that will help me become a better
person,” says Baas.
Charitable heart
Baas grew up to kind and charitable parents. Right after
typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines, her mother sent
most of her money to her family in Leyte. Her dad Jan,
did some part-time work to help his wife collect enough
money to send home. Susan is known in the Filipino
community as someone who always lends a helping hand
to a kababayan. In her province, whenever the whole
Baas family visits, her mother could never turn down a
neighbor asking for help.
The beauty queen has learned to give back in her own
40
The beauty queen with her family having fun on the beach.
way. When she was just a kid, she would often leave
some of her clothes for her playmates in the Philippines
before going back to the Netherlands. She would also
solicit money from her neighbours in Rotterdam to buy
gifts that she will send to her Filipino friends.
Needless to say, kids have a special place in the heart
of the 28-year-old. The Sheryl Lynn Baas Foundation is
involved in providing educational assistance to children in
Leyte. They give out school supplies as well as help build
or repair facilities including toilets and recreation areas.
The publicity that she received when she became Miss
Netherlands 2006 and Mrs. Holland Globe 2012 helped
her widen her network, spread her cause to people who
want to help. Baas has proven to the world that beauty
pageants can help move and compel people to action.
“Whenever people tell me how remarkable the
things I am doing, I always tell them that I am simply
remembering what my parents taught me. I tell them that
they would also do the same if they were raised the way I
was,” beams Baas.
Baas has already passed on her crown as Mrs. Holland
Globe. But her work is not yet done. She is currently
studying Cultural Anthropology and Development
Sociology at Leiden University in the Netherlands, hoping
to work at the United Nations someday and be able to
help more people.
PERFECT
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Tulip of Amsterdam B&B is a brand-new hotspot in town,
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Tel: + 31 (0)6 3911 1030
Fax: + 31 (0)8 4874 8722
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.TulipofAmsterdam.nl
Issue 5 2014
41
Italy is LOVE
Words and photos by Perpie Claes-Poblador
The author shares some tips on having
a romantic getaway in Italy.
42
TRAVEL
The Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Love padlocks are attached to
one of the bridges in Venice.
I
have been to Rome twice, to Florence once,
and yet, I still yearn to go back. The perfect
timing came when I got married and was looking
for a honeymoon destination. My husband has
never been to any of those Italian cities I just
mentioned. So the day after exchanging marital
vows on a fairytale-like Nordic island, we flew back
home to Switzerland, packed our stuff, and took an
unforgettable road trip to Italy.
Undoubtedly, Italy is one of the most highlyrecommended honeymoon spots in the world.
This we realized after our two-week blissful tour
around the north and central Italy. We were simply
awestruck by the European country’s sheer beauty
and exquisiteness. If you find yourselves in Italy,
especially during the love month, do try to include
the following in your itinerary:
Hike through the five villages of Cinque
Terre. Otherwise known as the “Five Lands,”
Cinque Terre features five beautiful fishing villages:
Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola
and Riomaggiore. You can get there by taking the
train or boat. As these villages sit atop cliffs, expect
some serious walking. If you have the stamina for
it, try the six-hour hiking trail particularly, the path
between Monterosso and Vernaza. The steep,
narrow goat trail provides a spectacular view of the
Ligurian Sea.
“Lean” on the tower of Pisa. A popular Italian
landmark, be prepared to bump into a lot of
tourists swarming around the slightly angled
campanile. Don’t be shy to make the silliest, most
creative poses with the leaning tower as almost
everyone there is doing it anyways.
Get lost in the walled city of Lucca. Lucca’s
centuries-old defensive walls were designed by the
genius, Leonardo Da Vinci. Walking or riding a bike
within the walls of the city will lead you to the most
interesting places: An amphitheatre, the famous
cathedral Duomo de San Martino, Torre Guinigi
known for the oak trees on its rooftop, the Piazza
Napoleone or Lucca’s biggest square, among many
others.
Relax in historic thermal baths. Aside from
being blessed with fertile grounds, majestic
landscapes and generally mild climate, Tuscany is
also home to many natural hot springs. The most
famous include the thermal baths in Saturnia
and Monsummano. We spent days at a spa in
Monsummano’s Grotta Giusti, which is known for
its natural cave with an underground lake featuring
therapeutic hot water. The cave highlights three
zones, each one increasing in heat. For your spa
treatment, you can choose either “Paradise,”
“Purgatory” or “Hell.” If you’re not up for this
treatment, Grotta Giusti has modern thermal pools
and a number of spa services as well.
Get mesmerized by the grandeur of Florence.
A cultural, artistic and architectural gem, Florence
is the birthplace of the Renaissance or the Age of
Discovery and Creativity. Florence never fails to
attract visitors from all over with its rich, colorful
history. In this city alone, there’s over 80 museums,
60 churches and over a thousand restaurants to
enjoy. It can be overwhelming. So if you plan to stay
for a day or two we recommend you first visit the
Issue 5 2014
43
Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s best wines.
The San Michele basilica in Foro, Tuscany is dedicated to
the famous bible character Archangel Michael.
Touching the right breast of Juliet’s statue is supposed to
bring good luck to lovers.
In Venice, ride a
gondola and kiss
under the Bridge of
Sighs.
44
TRAVEL
popular ones: Piazzale Michelangelo, Duomo di
Firenze, the Medici Chapels and Church of San
Lorenzo, Piazza Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and Ponte
Vecchio.
6. Savor Tuscan wines. Tuscany is home to
some of the world’s most notable wine regions
namely, Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano.
We visited Montalcino and Montepulciano for
the most intimate wine drinking experience.
The wines from these two Tuscan cities are my
favorites, particularly the Brunello di Montalcino.
7. Stroll around Pienza in Val d’Orcia. Pienza
is the Tuscan town that first employed the socalled Renaissance urbanism. It offers stunning
views of the entire valley of Val d’Orcia (or
Valdorcia). All around, it is very picturesque.
8. Experience Siena’s medieval vibe. Of all
the old Tuscan cities and villages, Siena has
wonderfully preserved its medieval past. Gothic
architecture dating hundreds of years are
almost everywhere. The city is built around the
Piazza del Campo. Here is the perfect place to
people-watch especially late afternoons.
“Tuscany
is home to
some of the
world’s most
notable
wine
regions.”
9. Stay in centuries-old villas and
farmhouses. Agri-tourism is transforming
charming old villas and rustic farmhouses into
themed accommodations for tourists. The
idea is for you to experience either the life of a
farmer or a great don. Most host families also
offer a good selection of activities like horse
riding, wine tasting and cooking lessons for
guests.
10. Exchange vows of eternal fidelity in
Verona. The star-crossed lovers Romeo and
Juliet, as immortalized by Shakespeare, continue
to live on in the city of Verona. Lovelorn tourists
flock to Casa di Guiletta to see the bronze statue
of Juliet and the balcony where Romeo famously
wooed his one true love. Writing love notes,
posting them on the walls, as well as touching
the right breast of Juliet’s statue are believed
to bring luck to lovers. You can also watch the
theatrical play of Romeo and Juliet at Verona’s
The Arena. But don’t leave Verona without
watching Guiseppe Verdi’s Aida, as well.
11. Bask in the sun by the Lake Garda.
Known as the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is
a popular holiday destination for those who are
into watersports and other outdoor activities.
Lake Garda is surrounded by mountains and
small resort towns. Try visiting Bardolino and
Peschiera.
12. Taste Valpolicella and Amarone.
Valpolicella is a viticultural zone north of Italy.
It is known worldwide for producing the most
prestigious and expensive Italian wine, Amarone
della Valpolicella. Of course, throughout our stay
in Verona, we drank mostly Valpolicella classics.
On our last night, we dropped by the fancy and
historic Antica Bottega del Vino where I tasted
the most divine Amarone ever. It was a luscious
meeting between Amarone and I.
13. Follow the duke’s steps in Mantua.
It starts at Palazzo Te, which was built as the
duke’s leisure palace. Take the straight road to
get you to the city centre where you’ll find other
equally fascinating architectural works such as
the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, Mantua Cathedral,
and the Palazzo Ducale.
14. Sigh over magnificent Venice. It sounds
cliché alright, but Venice is definitely one of the
most beautiful and romantic places in the world.
While most honeymooners jump right into the
gondolas and kiss under the Bridge of Sighs,
we enjoyed Venice differently. Without a map
or a guide, we dived straight into the maze-like
streets of Venice, crossing bridges over canals,
passing by hole-in-the-wall shops, and quaint
restaurants. We stayed a bit at the Rialto Bridge
to enjoy the Grand Canal. Walking further,
we reached San Marco and found its famous
square. By late afternoon, we finally took a taxi
boat to experience the Grand Canal.
15. Attend cooking class together. During
our cooking class, we made our very own
tagliatelle pasta noodles. We also prepared
some appetizers as well as a main course. It was
heart-melting to see my apron-wrapped hubby
chopping raw vegetables, kneading the pasta
dough, and sipping red wine with me.
16. Eat like an Italian. Italian food is probably
the reason why I so wanted to return. I needed
to satisfy my cravings for good seafood and
yes, Italian wines. While my hubby had been
wanting to try the Fiorentina steak. However,
our visit here led us to the discovery of the black
truffle pasta. Hands down, this is now both our
favorite. Ready your tummies when you come
here. A typical Italian meal is served in this
order: aperitivo, antipasto, primo platti, secondo
platti, contorno, formaggi e fruta, dolce, caffè, and
digestive –all served in generous amounts. That’s
Italy for you.
Issue 5 2014
45
BOHOL’S NEWEST LITTLE
SECRET HIDEOUT
by Kenneth M. del Rosario
Once in a while, it doesn’t hurt to feel like royalty.
Imagine sitting by the beach, enjoying the peace
and quiet of your very own beautiful and secluded
island. How about having a romantic candlelight
dinner with your loved one along the shore?
All these while knowing that an immaculately
prepared room is waiting for you once you’re
ready to hit the sack.
You own your time. Everything seems to slow
down. It’s a page off a fairytale.
But before I get to that happily ever after
ending, let me tell you first about my blissful
three-day romance with Astoria Bohol, a newly
opened resort in this quaint Visayan town in the
Philippines. In so many words, Astoria Bohol is
a perfect little hideout, where it was just me and
nature.
establishment, guests first have to drive for a
minute or two along a narrow road that leads to it.
The resort is a bit secluded so guests are assured
of their much needed privacy and quiet time.
The food that the staff at Astoria Bohol served
during my first night there was expectedly
exquisite. The hearty dinner consisted of Bohol’s
finest delicacies like chicken binakol, halang-halang,
humba, relyenong bangus (milkfish), and gisinggising (which uses kangkong stalks, instead of
beans).
But they served the best for last: Malunggay ice
cream and fresh fruits for dessert. You’d have
heard me quip, “This is so yummy!” a dozen times
had you been with me that night.
Astoria Bohol, which sits on a three-hectare
property in Brgy. Taguihon in Baclayon is a
15-minute drive from the Tagbilaran airport.
The next morning, during breakfast, I was treated
to sikwate, or what is commonly known as tableya
in Luzon. It’s a native chocolate drink made from
local cacao trees, with just the right balance of
sweetness and bitterness to wake you up in the
morning.
From the road, it’s easy to miss the entrance
to this resort. Before you get to the actual
Right next to the breakfast area is the extremely
inviting infinity pool, made of black slate which
46
TRAVEL
Four-poster beds lend an Old World charm to
the rooms.
Astoria Plaza’s cafe affords guests sumptuous
local and international cuisines.
Astoria Bohol features azoteas offering unobstructed views of
the Mindanao sea.
absorbs heat during the day, keeping the water
slightly warm at night. Of course, there are the
half-submerged leaf-shaped loungers, which have
become a signature feature of the Astoria property
in the country.
Should guests prefer to swim in the open
sea, they’re more than welcome to do so. The
beachfront is nothing short of breathtaking; the
water warm enough. The islands of Panglao and
Pamilacan, two of the most marine-rich areas in
Bohol, are within view. It’s here, too, where water
activities like kayaking, boating, and snorkeling
happen.
The rooms tell another story. I was billeted in a
room featuring bits and pieces of a bygone era,
a nostalgic reminder of the past, when Spanish
architecture still flourish.
The expansive floor space, measuring 55 sqm, and
extremely high ceiling are framed by an intricate
ventanilla (wall vents), effectively drawing attention
to the sturdy four-poster bed in the middle of the
room. A stylized aparador (cupboard) adds vintage
sophistication along with the twin butaca (lolling
chairs) in one corner of the room. The machuca
tiles lend some blue hue to the room’s dominant
neutral color palate. From the room’s azotea
(balcony), Guests have an unobstructed view of the
calm Mindanao Sea.
Re-imagining a certain look and feel from
hundreds of years ago would be a challenge
for anyone, but Astoria Bohol captures enough
“Should guests prefer to swim in
the open sea, they’re more than
welcome to do so. The beachfront is
nothing short of breathtaking; the
water warm enough.”
elegance to, well, sort of transport you back in
time.
For voracious readers like myself, it was nice to see
that Astoria Bohol put up a nice, little library with
newspapers, select novels, popular board games,
and blockbuster movies.
Guests who have visited Astoria’s other properties
- the Astoria Boracay (Station 1, Boracay) and
Astoria Plaza (Ortigas Center) - wouldn’t be
surprised that Astoria Bohol’s look feels familiar.
After all, the architecture went into the capable
hands of Ed Gallego, while the interior designs
were handled by the equally talented sister
tandem of Cynthia and Ivy Almario. These are the
same people who worked with Astoria Hotels and
Resorts’ other award-winning properties, giving
them that distinct “Astoria touch.”
Astoria Bohol opened in March 2012. During the
recent earthquake in the town, the property was
thankfully spared from devastation, with only
several furniture and décor sustaining damage.
But officials in the resort have assured its guests
that the building’s structures were fully intact.
Damaged furniture has been replaced or repaired.
A night at Astoria Bohol would set back guests by
about €245. That might look like a steep price to
some, but I assure you that Astoria Bohol is worth
every single euro.
Issue 5 2014
47
ADVERTISING FEATURE
48
DINING
Owner Michael Taroma with chef Luthgardo Bagaboro.
Crispy pata is one of the bestsellers in
the menu.
MESA: A Filipino
haven in the heart
of Europe
I
Words and photos by Clouie Boleche
t’s a hot Sunday afternoon in the middle of July and
the place is packed with Filipinos engaged in lively
conversations while nibbling through their meals.
Laughter, giggles and the sound of children running
around fill the room. A small band is playing familiar
songs in the corner. The atmosphere feels like there’s
a fiesta going on or you’re somewhere in downtown
Makati in the Philippines not in the middle of Brussels, a
stone’s throw away from the posh Avenue Louise.
Welcome to Mesa, a Eurasian Filipino restaurant in
Belgium.
Owner Michael Taroma, 37, opened Mesa to serve good
Filipino food as well as provide a hangout venue for
his kababayans, in the Ixelles district. Launched on Jan.
12, 2012, Mesa (Filipino for table) is one of the most
frequented Pinoy food hubs in this side of the world.
“I noticed that Filipinos in this part of Brussels needed
a place where they could hangout after work. So the
idea of opening up a resto-bar appealed to me,” shares
Taroma.
He adds that Filipinos in Brussels deserve an affordable
place to eat and be among friends and family.
Realizing the demand, Mesa has expanded its menu
to include European and other Asian dishes. It added
catering services as well. The place transforms into an
events venue for special occasions.
Filipino porridge goto is a favourite among customers.
Among their bestsellers are beefsteak tagalog, lechon
kawali, crispy pata, chicken pork adobo and sinigang (with
a choice of prawns, fish, beef and pork). They also serve
a variety of pancit (Asian noodles) namely, bihon, canton,
miki-bihon and palabok. Rice toppings with choices of
beef, shrimp, salmon and chicken are also available. Side
dishes include lumpia shanghai (spring rolls), calamares
(fried squid rings), camaron rebusado (fried breaded
shrimps), gambas, shrimp in tomato sauce and fried
chicken.
Mouthwatering steaks are served here, too.
“I try to tweak classic Filipino recipes by using ingredients
found in Europe to cater to both the Western and Asian
palates,” says chef Luthgardo Coneras-Bagaboro, whose
specialty is rice toppings.
Helping his fellow Filipinos has always been second
nature to Taroma. Taroma’s parents brought him to
Ixelles when he was just six years old. But even if he
practically grew up in Belgium, having lived there for
most of his life, Taroma never quite forgot his roots. For
instance, he started Masikap (diligent) Cleaning Services
Sprl. in 2009 to help Filipinos who needed jobs. With
Mesa, he wanted Filipinos to relive happy memories of
home and share them with their European friends.
“By opening the resto-bar in Brussels, Filipinos are given
the opportunity to show other nationalities our very
vibrant and happy nature,” concludes Taroma.
Issue 5 2014
49
RECIPES
Chicken sopas
By Dheza Marie Aguilar
Photo by Robin Kuijs
F
or the romantic, winter means evenings
covered by a blanket and lounging in front
of a fireplace while snow is softly falling
outside. When in fact, in some parts of
Europe,it’s mostly grey and rainy weather
that can go on for days and even weeks, dampening
one’s mood. It’s that time of the year when when
people suffer from cough, colds and flu.
A hot soup, in this case, chicken soup, is just what
one needed. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium sized onion, diced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
32 ounces chicken broth (about 4 cups)
2 cups elbow macaroni
3/4 cup celery stalk, chopped
3/4 cup carrots, diced
3/4 cup cabbage; shredded
3/4 cup fresh or evaporated milk
1 cup water
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
50
Procedure:
1. Heat a cooking pot and melt the butter.
2. Add onions and cook until it softens.
3. Add the boneless chicken breast (or
shredded chicken) and cook for 3 to 5
minutes.
4. Sprinkle some salt and ground black
pepper and stir.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Pour in water and milk into the broth and
bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8
minutes, stirring once in a while.
8. Add the carrots and celery and simmer
for 3 minutes.
9. Add the cabbage and cook for 2 minutes.
10. Serve hot.
Tip: For a tastier broth, use a whole chicken
breast, bones and skin included. Use the
broth for your soup.
ADVERTISE. CONTRIBUTE.
COLLABORATE.
CONTACT US:
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TheFilipinoExpatMagazine
FilipinoExpat
IN THE NEXT ISSUE:
The Filipino Expat focuses on women empowerment, with ABS-CBN
Europe head correspondent Rose Eclarinal as cover story. We will be
interviewing actress and television host Rachel Ann Go for her role in
the upcoming Miss Saigon in London. More so, we will be giving you
updates on the ratification of the ILO Convention 189 or the Domestic
Workers Convention.
Publisher Dheza Marie Aguilar will be flying to London to try the popular
Filipino restaurant Lakwatsa.For the travel section, we will be discovering
Barcelona’s secret hideaways. In the Philippines, we will be roughing it in
Sagada.
Plus, Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Jaime Victor Badillo
Ledda will be gracing our “Diplomats” page.
Of course, we will still have our regular features on relationships, Filipino
expat interviews, health and wellness and recipes.
Issue 5 2014
51
52

The Filipino Expat

Transcription

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